WordGarden.ioimmobilizer
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmˈəʊbəlˌaɪzə/
US
Meanings
Noun
an anti-theft device that prevents a vehicle from starting
a brace, splint, or other device that keeps an injured body part from moving
Beyond the definition
An immobilizer is something that keeps a person, animal, or machine from moving. In medicine, it can be a cast, brace, splint, or other support that holds an injured body part still so it can heal. Cars have immobilizers too: electronic security systems that stop the engine from starting unless the right key or signal is present. In everyday English, this word is most often used for these physical or electronic things that prevent movement.
The word "immobilizer" refers to something that makes movement impossible or much harder. It is usually used for a device, support, or system that keeps a person, animal, or machine still. While many people first think of medical care, the word has a few common uses.
In medicine, an immobilizer is often used to protect an injury. A knee immobilizer, neck immobilizer, splint, brace, or cast can hold a body part steady so it does not move while it heals. The idea is simple: less movement can mean less pain and a better chance to recover safely.
In automotive technology, an immobilizer is an anti-theft system. It prevents a car's engine from starting unless the correct key, chip, or coded signal is detected. Because of that, it is a standard security feature in many vehicles.
The word can also be used more generally for something that restrains movement, including equipment used with animals or in emergency situations. In all of these cases, the central meaning stays the same: it is something that stops motion and keeps things under control.
The noun "immobilizer" is usually concrete. English speakers most often use it for medical supports and car security systems, not for abstract ideas. For broader or figurative cases, English more often uses the verb "immobilize," as in "The storm immobilized the city."
Examples
- 1
Car security
The car has an immobilizer, so it won't start without the right key.
- 2
Mechanical fault
The mechanic said the immobilizer was faulty, which is why the engine wouldn't turn over.
- 3
Medical support
After the injury, the doctor put his knee in an immobilizer for two weeks.
- Domain
in medicine, an immobilizer keeps an injured body part still
See also
Similar
- anti-theft device
- vehicle security system
- starter disable
Shades of meaning
- kill switch
- starter interrupt
- transponder key system
Contrast
- vehicle alarm
- remote starter
Used with (collocations)
- engine immobilizer
- electronic immobilizer
- factory immobilizer
- immobilizer bypass
Word family
Explore
- vehicle theft deterrent
- key fob authentication
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- immobilizer